The Dark Side of Google Ads in 2025: Why Travel Campaigns Keep Getting Suspended
In the past 12 months, we’ve seen a dramatic rise in suspended accounts in the travel niche. Campaigns that worked in 2022–2023 are now being flagged without clear explanations. Google’s AI-driven policy enforcement has changed the game, and advertisers are left in the dark.
The Hidden Numbers Behind Suspensions
Based on aggregated industry data, suspensions in the travel sector have nearly doubled from 2022 to 2025. Many of these suspensions cite vague reasons such as “Misrepresentation” or “Unacceptable Business Practices.”
Graph: Rising Google Ads suspension cases in the travel industry (2022–2025).
Why Travel Advertisers Are Being Targeted
- 🔹 Policy Ambiguity: Terms like “Unacceptable Business Practices” cover a wide net — from unclear refund policies to third-party booking ambiguity.
- 🔹 Flight Booking Risks: Google has become stricter on resellers, consolidators, and agencies not directly affiliated with airlines.
- 🔹 Automation Overreach: AI-driven flagging often suspends accounts without human review, making reinstatements complex.
- 🔹 Documentation Gaps: Many advertisers lack proper Business Operations Verification (BOV), a now mandatory process.
The Suspension Journey: What Happens After the Red Flag
Timeline: From suspension to appeal to recovery — a journey many travel advertisers know too well.
Case Study: A Travel Client’s Recovery
“Our account was suspended under ‘Unacceptable Business Practices.’ Within 12 hours, AdShot Media guided us through the BOV process, updated landing page disclaimers, and submitted a structured appeal. We were reinstated in record time.” — Travel Agency Client, 2025
Checklist for Travel Advertisers in 2025
| Risk Area | What Google Expects | AdShot Media’s Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Refund & Cancellation Policies | Clear, accessible, and displayed upfront | Custom landing page disclaimers + trust badges |
| Business Verification | Completed BOV with legal docs | Guidance + document prep |
| Third-Party Mentions | No unauthorized airline brand use | Keyword filtering + compliant copy |
AdShot Media’s Recovery Success Rate
Key Takeaways
- ✅ Suspensions are rising fast in 2025, especially in travel ads.
- ✅ Google rarely discloses the exact reason — advertisers are left guessing.
- ✅ Structured compliance and appeals dramatically increase recovery chances.
- ✅ Partnering with an expert agency saves time, money, and reputation.
Don’t Let Suspensions Kill Your Travel Business
AdShot Media specializes in Google Ads compliance and recovery for travel advertisers. We’ve helped dozens of agencies get reinstated and scale again.
🚀 Launch or Recover Your Campaign with AdShot MediaFAQ
Why are travel ads more at risk of suspension?
Because flight booking and reselling involve third-party trademarks, refund policies, and complex user journeys — all sensitive areas for Google.
How long does Google Ads suspension recovery take?
Anywhere from 24 hours to several weeks. With expert guidance, recovery is much faster.
What is Business Operations Verification (BOV)?
A Google requirement to prove your business is legitimate. Missing BOV is a common suspension trigger in 2025.